An Architectural Symphony: The Magnificent House of Horns by WOJR

Here at The Coolector, we’re suckers for architecture that dares to be different, the sort of bold design that is as much a piece of sculpture as it is a place to call home.

It’s safe to say, then, that the breathtaking House of Horns by WOJR Architects has well and truly captured our undivided attention. Located in the rolling Los Altos Hills of California, this mesmerising property, which was first conceptualised in 2018 and finally brought to life in 2024, is a masterclass in conceptual design, conceived by the architects not merely as a house, but as “an assemblage of instruments” designed to capture and amplify the changing light and seasons.

Overlooking the technological hub of Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay, this 8,500-square-foot (790-square-metre) residence is a real sight to behold. Its name is derived from the series of dramatic, sculptural volumes that curve gracefully upwards, creating striking double-height spaces that are crowned with vast expanses of glass.

These “horns” are the home’s defining feature, acting as immense apertures that strategically frame specific views of the Santa Cruz mountains and draw natural light deep into the core of the building. The structure is cleverly built upon an existing foundation, partially burying itself into the sloped terrain and creating a distinct two-level living experience.

The exterior is clad in a moody, sophisticated palette of blackened wood and dark metal, allowing it to sit harmoniously within its rugged landscape.

Stepping inside, the upper storey is a celebration of light and space. An expansive open-plan living area forms the heart of the home, where the ceiling ingeniously dips in the centre before soaring upwards within the horns that demarcate the primary functional zones.

A horn rises above the lounge, another over the dining table, and a third over the kitchen, with each dramatic curve lined in warm wood that contrasts beautifully with the cool terrazzo flooring underfoot. A stunning fireplace, carved from a monolithic piece of dramatic Danby marble, acts as a sculptural divide and marks the home’s centreline.

This luxurious material palette extends into the primary suite, where an ovoid bathtub rendered in the same blue-grey marble offers a serene sanctuary.

In stark contrast to the bright, airy volume above, the concrete lower level offers a more intimate and grounded experience. It is laid out as a series of cosy compartments or chambers, wrapped in wood, that open out onto partially enclosed gravel courtyards, blurring the line between inside and out.

This floor houses two further bedrooms, an office, and an utterly serene concrete spa complete with a sunken pool. In a final flourish of design genius, another marble ovoid, echoing the bathtub above, appears to effortlessly prop up the ceiling.

The thoughtful design continues outside, where the landscaping is intended to cultivate a meadow-like appearance using layers of native California grasses, perennials, and majestic live oaks, further cementing the House of Horns’ profound connection to its spectacular setting.

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